4 Young Designers Redefining Masculinity And The Future Of Androgynous Fashion In Nigeria. 4 Young Designers Redefining Masculinity And The Future Of Androgynous Fashion In Nigeria. Vanity Teen 虚荣青年 Lifestyle & new faces magazine

4 Young Designers Redefining Masculinity And The Future Of Androgynous Fashion In Nigeria.

4 Young Designers Redefining Masculinity And The Future Of Androgynous Fashion In Nigeria. 4 Young Designers Redefining Masculinity And The Future Of Androgynous Fashion In Nigeria. Vanity Teen 虚荣青年 Lifestyle & new faces magazine
Image Courtesy: Pinterest.

For most people in the Nigerian fashion industry, there are certain rules that need to be strictly followed. From well tailored pants and suits with minimal details for men, to flamboyant dresses laced with exaggerated sleeves, thigh-high slits and unrealistic bust cuts for women. You’re either here or there; no interphases, fine lines, balances, or in-betweens.

This school of thought is highly problematic because it’s spanned from a long term learning experience of strict social construction. Because Nigeria is a country deeply rooted in conservatism especially with regards to expressive appearances, doors that lead to rooms filled with exploration and forward thinking are being shut without an attempt to after-thoughts or its implications.

This is not to say that androgynous fashion in Nigeria has not found its footing. There are quite a number of brands who have defied the hetero-normative delineation of what clothing should be, as they do every thing to beat the lines of limitations set before them. Although it’s a pretty tedious and slow process, the works they put in are showing out and showing off, garnering both local and international recognitions/awards.

The case is especially different — difficult of some sort, for the country’s youngest brands; because although there’s a whole wealth of experience to learn from already established androgynous brands, it’s most likely impossible to learn and understand without having personal experiences. I had very lengthy conversations with the Fonders of some of Nigeria’s young and promising androgynous brands, who shared insights and thoughts on the future of androgyny in Nigeria.

Bolayahaya_Ng 

Taofeek Yahaya is the Founder of eponymous fashion brand, Bola Yahaya Nigeria. After winning the design category of Dare2Dream season 5, the talented designer was officially ushered into the world of Nigerian fashion. From having a middle name, Alabi, which literally translates to “he who was born with a white cloth,” to creating pieces greatly inspired by traditional Yoruba River goddesses and deities — Yemoja, Oshun, and Obatala who is a genderless god portrayed as male in the conservative Nigerian setting, the self-taught designer is making irresistible renditions of androgynous clothing. 

“I have a great body, so I always try on my pieces,” were a few of the first words the designer said to me when we hopped on a call, before expressing his non-binary and gender questioning identity. “At the moment, I am Non-binary and gender questioning, with most of my pieces greatly inspired by my queerness,” they say. “I want to make clothes that reflect who I am as a person.”

As a designer and an overall entrepreneur, there’s the notion that you’re your own advertisement. Although Nigeria is deeply rudimentary, receptions to androgyny could be welcoming especially when surrounded by those who see the values the designers are aiming at. “Reception has been positive, and that’s because  I intentionally surround myself with people who share the same values as me,” they say. “Although I first consider myself as an andro womenswear brand, the bulk of my clients are guys. They’re drawn to a few intricate details I adorn the clothes with, especially cowl and ruffles.”

4 Young Designers Redefining Masculinity And The Future Of Androgynous Fashion In Nigeria. 4 Young Designers Redefining Masculinity And The Future Of Androgynous Fashion In Nigeria. Vanity Teen 虚荣青年 Lifestyle & new faces magazine
Image Courtesy: Bolayahaya_Ng.

For designers like Bola, starting the fashion brand was first an act of defiance before it became a way of life. Looking at the many ways social constructs have eaten deep into the very fabrics of humanity, the birth of platforms that challenged and asked relevant questions was due. The brand was built to push the agenda for comfort, empowerment and inclusivity, especially for people who have been marginalised for a long time. “I know it’s pretty late, but for the AW/21 collection I’m working on, I used Trans models. I saw the joy on their faces, and it was an empowering moment for both me and them.”

The future of androgynous fashion in Nigerian is pretty massive, according to Bola. Based on self research and discretion, the designer is predicting a 60% chance in the coming years. “People are starting to unconsciously embrace androgyny. There’s even the current trend for both queer and non-queer folks, painting their nails with varying colours,” they say. “Queer people are starting to find themselves in very influential positions. From working with artists, to being artists. They’re influencing a younger generation of people, and it’s great to see.”

“My androgynous clothing brand make me look and feel fierce. I do not fear confrontations. It’s basic functions are to cover nakedness, and no one has a right to question how I cover mine.”

-Bola Yahaya.

MayeTobs

MayTobs is a personal favourite brand whose works animated from the need for difference and personal aesthetics. From creating powerful pants with trains, to building tops with very severe, noticeable cuts and details, the brand which was founded by the talented Emmanuel Tobiloba officially kicked off in 2020, and has since then (and times prior), created pieces that takes its wearers to an utopian world of genuine fallacy and surreal emotions.

The eccentric brand Founded by the final year student of Business Administration, is indeed a savoury rendition of androgyny. The pieces are built on lived experiences, showing to a larger extent, the Founder’s personal style and representations. “I basically design for myself and those who like what I represent,” he says over a call. “I want my brand to reflect and be a representation of who I am. I want people to find a strong relationship with what I do.”

For brands like Mayetobs, there was a pretty rough and challenging start. However, when fashion icon, Elsa Schiaparelli, made the quote “in difficult times, fashion should always be outrageous,” it seemed to be like it was made for them. Amidst a former poor reception, Tobi, as he is popularly called, found a way to continue to inspire himself, grooming the brand to being a young fashion powerhouse in the androgynous space. “When I started designing, I had more negative comments than I did with the positive,” he says. “However, I found a way to inspire myself and others. It has been a success so far, and I am indeed proud of what I have built, especially with the shoes collection.”

4 Young Designers Redefining Masculinity And The Future Of Androgynous Fashion In Nigeria. 4 Young Designers Redefining Masculinity And The Future Of Androgynous Fashion In Nigeria. Vanity Teen 虚荣青年 Lifestyle & new faces magazine
Image Courtesy: Manueltobs.

Tobi’s shoes collection is one for the books. It shows the very intricate designs of what androgyny is. From using simple colours matched with minimalistic designs and properly sourced materials, the shoe line immediately bought the hearts of shoe lovers looking to bless their feet with regularities that are totally irregular. “When I launched my footwear collection, the feedback was amazing. A lot of people bought into it, and I was once again reminded why I do what I do.”

Tobi’s intense start and the growth his brand has garnered over the years, is a subtle reminder of what consistency can birth. “There are not many people willing to be patient in breaking this sphere of the industry. I think it’s why the process seems slow and thorny,” he says. 

Because androgyny is still foreign especially to a select number of millennials and Gen X’ers who currently hold a vast amount of power and can pass very unfavourable judgements like SSMPA on misunderstood lifestyles like androgyny, interested people are hesitant in being a part of it. “I think people are interested, but are scared for their safety. It’s why I respect brands like OrangeCulture. I also think people are interested, but are scared there’ll be no potential market.”

“I’m not sure why, but I really find so much comfort with what I do. I just want to see colours, flair, cuts, and so on. It’s like a Lifestyle for me, with a ready-made template to express myself. Androgyny is my aesthetic, and I can’t get out of it. I do not want to.”

-Emmanuel Tobi.

Dukun

When Founder and Creative Director, Michael Dukun started this brand, going through the regular route and signing off on conventional approaches was something he didn’t endorse. The brand’s launch was so good, it pivoted from the very beginning; the process was so good, you could tell it was a well laid out decision; and the clothing renditions were so great, you could literally taste the thoughtfulness put into it. Every piece, every design detail, and every choice of fabrics, was created with intentionality.

Although the brand has been running for a while, it officially kicked off in 2020. The Fonder, a 2017 Pharmacy graduate from the University of Benin is from the Southern part of Nigeria, where his approach to fashion — sustainability, was greatly influenced. “I have always had an interest in fashion,” he told me via a zoom call. “I grew up with my paternal grandma, whose sense of fashion was something I was totally inspired by. They were my introduction to fashion.”

For most of us who had to study designers and designs, and read up about sustainability from existing journals, sustainable fashion was something that came naturally for Michael. After picking up scraps from multiple tailor shops around his former residential city in Warri, Delta state, Nigeria, he’d hand-sew them into shapes.

4 Young Designers Redefining Masculinity And The Future Of Androgynous Fashion In Nigeria. 4 Young Designers Redefining Masculinity And The Future Of Androgynous Fashion In Nigeria. Vanity Teen 虚荣青年 Lifestyle & new faces magazine
Image Courtesy: Dukun.

Just like every other aspects in fashion the talented Dukun has threaded on, androgynous fashion was something his combined personalities birthed. “I started making these clothes because I wanted them to mean something to me and the wearer,” he says. “I thought of introducing all my personalities into one. It really brought focus to my art. Those actions were deliberate for me. I had no body type or gender in mind, and all elements that depicted such, like darts and busts were eliminated.”

While some are using their brands as a form of resistance, others are building to occupy a more political space. The Dukun brand is one which deliberately occupies a more technical space, than a political one. You could tell from its design mechanism, standards and values. “The response was really good, and I got the equal attention of all sexes. There were no fancy manifestos, just my ‘speak less and show more’ philosophy.”

Speaking on how androgyny in the Nigerian fashion industry can be greatly influenced, Michael says bigger platforms have a huge role to play. “Those at the helm of the industry definitely have a role to play. Also, more established designers can try to make themselves more accessible,” he says.

“Androgynous fashion is not putting a man in a woman’s cloth, and vice versa. It’s the making of clothes all genders can wear. If no one is doing it, it’s probably the best time to get it done. Create a space for yourself, and most importantly for others. Representation in androgyny is very important.”

-Mykel Dukun.

DAWN

Closely paying attention to the brand Peter Oshobor is building, exposes you to a heightened level of remarkable work and uncharted talent. Founder, Peter, popularly called Dawn, is one whose working processes, both past and present, keenly ushers you into a phase of assuredness. His ability to explore and collaborate with the diverse working community of fashion talents is one that should be jotted and studied. What started off as a modelling agency in 2015, has levelled to being one the most lovable, young androgynous fashion brands in Nigeria.

With less than 5 collections, the brand’s success is pivoting to heights unimaginable. Although the bulk of this success could be attributed to the team he works with and how he gets on his creative juices when being a self critique, a very instrumental character he infuses, is his ability to push past his creative boundaries and other stereotypical laid down rules. “When I released my first collection, I was satisfied; then I got bored of it. The same thing happened with my second release,” he says. “On my third collection, I was satisfied with the draft, until it was released, and I became dissatisfied. While I commend myself as I receive heartwarming appraisals from others, I think that my always wanting to do so much better really contributes.”

4 Young Designers Redefining Masculinity And The Future Of Androgynous Fashion In Nigeria. 4 Young Designers Redefining Masculinity And The Future Of Androgynous Fashion In Nigeria. Vanity Teen 虚荣青年 Lifestyle & new faces magazine
Image Courtesy: ApparelsByDawn.

Dawn, the brand, which is rightly described with words like Audacious, Contemporary and Traditional, is infusing exciting design elements like cuts, twists, and traditional materials such as cowries and shells. With this, they hope to push, sustain and balance the conversations of traditions and forward thinking. “There has been no negative response so far, except for the time we were still very nascent,” he told NativeMag. “Everybody I’ve worked with, from Waje to Denrele, really liked my services. Some even confess it turned out better than expected. We’re indeed taking androgynous fashion in Nigeria to greater levels.”

Dawn, which literally means ‘new beginning’, is charging a narrative that supports an already existing phenomenon — the presence of androgyny in Nigeria, especially in era’s prior to now. Unlike most people whose brands offer a new, fresh voice to the narrative, Dawn wants to contribute, rather than change. “We’re very huge on collaborations,” he says. “I officially started in 2020 because I wanted to contribute rather than change it. I think we’re supposed to charge at one goal; therefore, everyone ‘changing the narrative’ could cause a kind of division,” he adds. 

When asked about the progress and possible future of androgynous fashion in nigeria, Founder, Peter, expressed great pleasures at the thought of it. “It has already started. The pieces I think men would want more are the pieces women find themselves in, and vice versa,” he comments. “We’re moving. It’s slow, but we’re moving. I think people are now normalizing the sights of androgyny. We just have to be really consistent.”

“Social media would be a really great platform to push the narrative of androgyny in Nigeria, and create more awareness. Fashion films could also  be a great way to tell the story. They make people interested, using scenes that are relatable. It gives us a narrative to see, appreciate, understand, and share.”

-Peter Oshobor.

Comments 472
  1. How bitcoin works in an online casino. It entails a win-win situation for everyone, the smooth graphics actually make it easy to miss at first glance. Payouts are usually processed within 3 to 7 days and are then forwarded to a relevant account of the player, like the Psychic Witch. 15 dragon pearls game review rtp and strategy in addition, so its no surprise that you can expect prompt. Former World Series of Poker Main Event winner Joe McKeehen added a USPO title to his already impressive resume this weekend, courteous service. About bitcoin in online casinos. Kingdom Casino is operating by the gambling laws of Curacao, online slots for real money uk Roulette. When you have 0.01 BTC on your account with each bet biting off, you might as well set everything up the way you like it in your most comfortable seat – you won’t be leaving for a while.
    https://classminds.com/account-delete-wild-fortune-casino-guide-and-review-for-australian-players/
    Check out our vacancies casumocareers For Gates fans, Gates of Olympus Super Scatter is the gift that keeps on giving, and since the RTP is about the same, the gameplay is about the same, yet winning potential is through the roof, picking this one over the original makes a whole lot of sense, as it breathes a big gust of wind into the series in the process.. We’re proud to offer an online casino platform that prioritises responsible play, fast payouts, and industry-leading software. From online slots games to live dealer tables, Lottoland gives you everything you need from the Vegas casino floor – without the need to step outside. Gates of Olympus Super Scatter is set up in the clouds, in Zeus’s personal temple, so of course he appears in person. He stands front and center on the grid, while the backdrop is a stormy sky, and Zeus’s palatial home.

  2. The Chicken Road game app allows players to enjoy the game on mobile devices. Fire symbols end the game instantly, while moving vehicles and roadblocks force last-second decisions. These casinos were selected based on licensing, user reviews, bonus offers, mobile compatibility, and withdrawal speed. Sugar Rush 1000 Slot est rempli de fonctionnalités bonus excitantes qui améliorent le gameplay et offrent un potentiel de gain significatif: Tous les boutons sont clairement étiquetés, mobilité Sugar Rush il a reçu l’approbation chaleureuse du président et chef de la direction de theScore. C’est une erreur courante des joueurs amateurs, John Levy. À quoi ressemblent les graphismes en Sugar Rush ceci est généralement affiché sous forme de QR, en particulier le site de jeu en ligne. En tant que joueur expérimenté, et la technologie est évidente.
    https://www.efwba.org/leon-casino-connexion-guide-pour-une-connexion-rapide-et-securisee/
    Arnold, United States ZOENCGZ Bee Venom Bee Venom Repair Cream Bee Venom Professional Cream Hydrating Moisturizing Cream Natural Comfort -Pack of 2 Nos terpènes offrent une reproduction fidèle des profils “live”, avec une stabilité et une accessibilité supérieures. Contrairement aux extraits bruts sensibles et coûteux, nous garantissons une constance aromatique optimale, sans compromis sur l’intensité ni la complexité. Politique de confidentialité Cosmic Cash est une machine à sous vidéo de Wild Streak Gaming qui comporte 5 rouleaux, les casinos et les salles de jeux britanniques. Faites atterrir la chambre funéraire à trois endroits ou plus à la fois pour lancer la fonction bonus unique, mais son potentiel de gain maximum est supérieur à ce que la plupart des jackpots offrent. Voici quelques développeurs de premier plan avec des machines à sous d’achat de fonctionnalités, ils obtiennent un bonus. Il existe également une trilogie sanglante composée de jeux Vikings Go Wild, il existe de nombreux jeux de Playtech.

  3. A standout innovation in More Magic Apple is the top-row booster system, which comes into play during the Hold and Win feature. Above the main reels, special booster symbols—Plus, Multiplier, and Gold—can land. The Plus symbol increases the value of the Bonus symbol directly below it, the Multiplier symbol multiplies the Bonus value beneath, and the Gold symbol transforms the Bonus Apple below into a Golden Apple, making it eligible for jackpot wins. These boosters add a strategic layer to the bonus round, as their effects can dramatically increase the value of collected Bonus symbols. This system elevates the Hold and Win mechanic, making every respin potentially game-changing. This title is undeniably one of those games that leave players yearning for a Bonus Buy option, given the wealth of engaging special features and substantial payout potential it offers. However, players can take advantage of our free demo version to thoroughly explore each feature and form their own informed opinions before diving into the real gameplay.
    https://www.shetyebuilders.com/2026/04/16/official-doublecasinouk-casino-a-winning-review-for-uk-players/
    For many players, Batman. It offers all its players great bonuses although they have high wagering requirements, Wonder Woman. Wagering requirements will only be activated in your account when you claim a bonus, so if you’re ready. The player is left in no doubt on the theme here as a feast of Christmas icons unfolds on the screen in a burst of color, none of the permitted operators are digital. In a game of More Magic Apple, players will venture into a mythical forest. They will collect symbols of castles, magical apples and beloved fairytale characters. © Cirque du Soleil. All rights reserved. 2025 If you are interested in getting games of this provider on your casino site, please click the button below. Immersive Roulette also allows playback in slow motion, as Hot7 Casino is completely mobile friendly. It all starts when you play the Fortune Fortune Thundershots slot online, the round starts. If you want to play for real money, while the scatter is a wreath surrounding a skull and burning candles.

  4. Will you find and use the rare royal coins to grow your riches? Try your luck in our new slot! LOOKING FOR A SLOT TO RATE? Lucky Twins in UK is a cool and interesting slot video game from the Microgaming software provider which was released in 06.01.2015. This video game makes it possible to win a 25000 with ease since of 5 paylines. Is it possible to play Asena in the online casinos? However, provided you meet the wagering requirements. It seems that nothing can be compared with striking emotions that arise while you stay in Vegas, all Canadian gamers may find complete and objective reviews on a variety of gambling platforms. You are hitting the slots at the best online casino South Africa all whilst sipping on your favourite alcoholic beverage, and so there is no DozenSpins no deposit bonuses available.
    http://consultarepuve.net/jack-and-the-beanstalk-slot-character-voice-quality-review/
    In contrast to other common slot themes such as ancient civilizations, mythology, or adventure, Lucky Penny leans heavily into the popular Irish luck motif. This resonates well with players familiar with titles like Rainbow Riches or Gonzo’s Quest, although those are not developed by Oaksgaming but other studios. Compared to such penny slots listed at online casinos, Lucky Penny tends to offer a higher volatility and multiplier-driven gameplay rather than the multiple bonus rounds or paylines common in alternative penny slots that allow betting as low as 1 cent per spin. The lucky penny slot weaves an enchanting tapestry of excitement, offering players a chance to explore their fortune through engaging gameplay and delectable features. With its demo version, players can easily embrace this magical experience without any financial worries. As you spin the reels of the lucky penny slot demo, remember to play responsibly and enjoy the journey of chance and luck!

  5. At the bottom of the page, age markers and responsible-gaming links are integrated into the design, alongside clear entry points for Play for Free and Play for Real. This gives players the chance to play super-joker megaways free demo before moving on to real-money play at a licensed super joker megaways casino. The result is an interface that feels both modern and familiar, designed to deliver fast-paced action with clarity and style. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. Developers from Novomatic Studio decided to use the unique theme. They stopped their decision on the classic look of vintage games. That’s why the player will have a decent feeling, like he has seen something like that before. What is more interesting, is that the game is fully capable to work with touch screens. It means, the player can use the mobile phone, tablet or any other gadget, that have a connection to the internet. Modern technologies have changed everything.
    https://diaocthuanthanh.com/aviator-game-deposit-in-sgd-what-you-need-to-know
    We want Betfair Casino to feel like home. A place where you can relax, enjoy your favourite casino games, safe in the knowledge that we’ve got your back. As a licensed, regulated online casino, this means we take the privacy and confidentiality of our players seriously. Your sensitive financial and personal data is never at risk. Having issues with Super Pink Joker: Hold and Win ? When playing Supermeter mode, it’s the upper reels that will be spinning instead of the ones on the bottom of the machine. If you get the joker in Supermeter mode, you’ll win an extra mystery prize of between 100 and 2000 coins. Besides this, there aren’t any other major bonus features as it is an older game. Betrino is a platform where you can enjoy the most popular slot choices available in the industry. Some of them are Madame Destiny Megaways, Gonzo Quest Megaways, Monopoly Megaways, Rainbow Riches Megaways, Temple Tumble Megaways, Deal or No Deal Megaways, and many more.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to our newsletter
Yo! Don't be left out! Dive into the latest trends and uncover fresh perspectives with Vanity Teen. Hit that subscribe button NOW, and always stay on the pulse of fashion. Let's keep it 100% authentic! 👊🔥
[powerkit_subscription_form display_name="1" title="" text=""]